1. They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing
Chapter 14: “Analyze This”, Writing in the Social Sciences by Erin Ackerman.
3 Core Components:
Strong Introduction/Thesis
The Literature Review
Writer’s Own Analysis (Original)

2. CORE COMPONENTS 1. INTRODUCTION AND THESIS: “This Paper challenges…”
previously held assumptions (interpretations).
(or) extends previously held assumptions that are deemed correct (interpretations).
identifies a gap in our knowledge.

3. TEMPLATES FOR AGREEING/DISAGREEING: (extends previously held assumptions deemed correct)
“Political scientists studying ________ have argued that it is caused by _________. While_______ contributes to the problem, _______ is also an important factor.”

4. CORE COMPONENTS
2. The Literature Review: “Prior research indicates…” (They Say)
Detailed summary, paraphrasing, or quoting of the viewpoints you are responding to (done fairly/accurately).
BALANCE: Provide your own focus; set up your own argument by selecting the details of what They Say (Literature Review) that are relevant* to your own perspective.
*most significant challenge (process-feedback/revisions)

5. CORE COMPONENTS 3. The Analysis: “The Data indicate…”
Important to define/identify your data (evidence).
Indicate where you attained the data.
Articulate what you have done with the data (evidence).

6. CORE COMPONENTS 4/5. “But Others May Object…” (They Say)
By considering possible objections to your own argument you demonstrate you have done your work and that you are addressing other perspectives.
Most importantly you present your own argument as an ongoing conversation.

7. CORE COMPONENTS “Why Should We Care?”
How does your research and argument affect the assumptions regarding your topic?
In addition, you might offer recommendations on how others might continue to explore the issue, or even address future policy decisions.

8. WRITING IS A PROCESS
Good writing is a developmental process, one that immerses students in the practice of working as a writer.
They wrestle with feedback from peers and their instructors; they learn to self-evaluate; they use these critiques to revise and rewrite.

9. WRITING IS A PROCESS
You need to write about more than just your opinions.
Good writing in social studies requires that you demonstrate that you have thought about what it is you think.
The best way you do that is to bring your views into conversation with those expressed by others and to test what you and others thinks against a review of data (evidence).

10. STAGE 1: Topic Selection, Essential Questions and Introduction of Preexisting Conversation
Before we do anything we need to select a topic and write a concise one paragraph summary of the preexisting conversation concerning your topic.
Topic selection can include everything from the Progressive Era through the presidency of Reagan.

11. WRITING IS A PROCESS
Please strongly consider selecting a topic from the Issues and Controversies in American History database – found in Facts on File.
ALL TOPICS MUST BE APPROVED.

12. STAGE 1: Topic Selection, Essential Questions and Introduction of Preexisting Conversation
This is due Tuesday, May 20th.
Topic & Question(s):
Paragraph providing concise summary of preexisting conversation.
In order to accomplish this you must conduct an initial inquiry into relevant sources.

13. SOURCES: Requirements (Evaluating-Identifying/Locating)
A print (book) overview source
A monograph (a book devoted exclusively to your topic)
A reliable, useful (relevant) free website – you may not use a .com website unless
approved by me.
A RHS library paid database
3-4 primary sources.
A newspaper or magazine article

14. STAGE 2: Literature Review Thesis Statement and Argument Page
You will submit a Literature review paragraph, a thesis statement and an argument paragraph.
In the Literature review paragraph you will provide a brief introduction of your sources and an explanation on how you plan to use them in support of your argument.
Thesis statement: Short answer response to your essential question.

15. STAGE 2: Literature Review Thesis Statement and Argument Page
The argument paragraph should explain the position your paper is going to take. This should help you differentiate your work from a “report”. It is critical that at this stage you are not reporting commonly known information, but you are instead providing original thought and synthesis.
Paragraph should begin with “I intend to argue…” followed by a concise summary of your argument.